Much Ado About Nothing

Dear Friend,

I recently watched a play called Much Ado About Nothing, which was based of the play written by Shakespeare. I thought it was a fantastic play, that really showed the concepts of Shakespeare plays. The language they used was similar to the language in Romeo and Juliet, yet there was also a slight modern feel to it. Also with the music, and the stage. The play really showed how it was back then, and how the world they lived in was, but did so in a modern way that helped make the play enjoyable rather than confusing.

In this play, the general language used was the same. They spoke sonnets, and they used words that are different than today such as thee, or thou. The way the actors performed it, was able to show what they were saying, and what they meant by it. When they were speaking angry words, it wasn't hard to understand that they were upset because they would raise their voice, and show it in their actions.

The music used in this play was a jazz band, and although jazz is not something most people my age listen to, it was a familiar sound. In the play it was quiet, and not played loudly so that the actors would be heard. However, the jazz music still set up a general feeling of warmth almost because of how familiar it is even though it also fits perfectly into the time period they were in.

The stage, is a part of the play that I felt was more modern and new. It was circular and gave the play a more realistic sense. It felt like I was thee even more, because of the natural shape they were in, and because they didn't all have to face one way at once. It made the scenes feel more like a room, which helped the play have a more comfortable feel to it.

Overall Much Ado About Nothing is a fantastic play, and I suggest watching it. Especially for people just starting Shakespeare, since it makes it an "easier" transition.

From When They Met

In the book Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, there is something that I think most people find confusing. That being, the fact that Romeo has only seen Juliet, and has never spoken to her and he is in love. Also with Paris, who may not be 'in love' exactly, but is drawn to Juliet and plans on marrying her even though they don't have any sort of connection. The love in this book, is one that seems very shallow and bland, but still manages to be very strong and permanent.

The way we live today, we don't necessarily believe in love at first sight, and in this period they do. Romeo, who fell in love with Juliet the night they met without even talking to her, is a strong believer in love. He swears his love for her, except he does so only a couple of days, I believe, after crying for Rosaline who he 'loved so deeply'. Juliet also falls in love with Romeo, from only seeing him, after saying how she doesn't want to marry. All of these things makes the love in this book appear untrue, and almost silly.

Although those things happen, and although they happen very quickly, there is still this deep sense of true love that happens in the book. I think that even though 'love at first sight' is unrealistic, in the book it helps show how strong their relationship is. They have an immediate attraction towards each other and it seems that from the start they are inseparable. Even when they find out just seconds after meeting that they are enemies they know the love they hold for each other is not something they can just forget, or get rid of.

From the Beginning

Dear Friend,

I have recently started the book Rome and Juliet by Shakespeare. It is difficult to read because they use language that is so different from today. The way they live is nothing like the way we do. They exist in a foreign world, one I am just learning about. In their world they battle, and women are looked down on when it comes to power. Love is potent, but in a way I find it to be shallow there.

From the beginning of the book, you get the feeling that they live in a different time period. There is a strong hate between the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. I find it ironic, knowing that these two families hate each other while also knowing that Romeo and Juliet fall in love. However, while they do not know each other Romeo is in love with Rosaline. I find this odd, since she does not feel the same way, that he still has the "deep" love for her. They don't seem close which makes me imagine that the love in their world is not based on emotion but on looks and appearance.

This book is odd so far, and very different from what I had expected. It is difficult, but I am beginning to understand it better, and although I have certain feeling about the way they live, I am also starting to understand it the more I read.

Dreams Deffered in Harlem

The poem Harlem by Langston Hughes, is one that I really like. It talks about what happens when people don't follow their dreams by using an intricate writing style. This writing style is one that includes both the meaningful message and many writing techniques that help the poem flow when it is being read. The writing techniques used also help emphasize the message the author is trying to send.

In the poem Harlem, Langston Hughes very deliberately uses a certain format for his poem. Starting on the second line, Hughes uses contrast in his poem in every line. He asks if it drys up or if it gets bigger, if it is like rotten meat or sweet sugar, if it sags or explodes. He compares different things that are either 'good' or 'bad'.

This contrasting method he uses is how he sends his message to us. By using two opposite possibilities to describe possible outcomes of a dream deffered Hughes is saying that either can happen. He is saying that anything can happen, and that the only was to figure out is by following that dream an living it. The dream can die, but it can also explode and change life in a good way. He is showing us through this poem that we have to take that chance if we want great things in life.